RAMBLING ROSE

Hello everyone! I sure hope this snowy weather has not turned you into a house hermit. I hope this is the end of the white stuff. I am praying that it is because the department stores, Walmarts and Home Depots are putting out lawn furniture, barbeque grills, short sleeves shirts, and shorts, but no salt! Terrible situation!

Well, the show must go on. I have been checking out the Friday and Saturday entertainment at Lexington Market for the past few weeks, and it is amazing. They didn’t just start this, it's been going on for years, but now the free shows are more versatile. Darlene Hudson, marketing and promotional manager, is doing a great job to make sure this happens. Local groups from all over Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia perform for your entertainment while you shop, eat, socialize, and just hang out at the famous market. You are surrounded with folks from all walks of life, from the cradle to the cross, all races and creed, the well-to-do to the homeless; you will see the doctors, lawyers, judges, and most of all the charters, all this makes Lexington Market one of the most interesting places in Baltimore six days a week. The weekend entertainment looks like this: Friday, March 7 is “Swamp Dog” (blues band), Saturday, March 8 is “Inquiring Minds” (jazz and R&B), Friday, March 14 is “Holly Montgomery” (funk and blues), Saturday, March 15 is “Dave Mells Blues Band” (blues, Motown and soul), Friday, March 21 is “Norm Seifert & Company” (R&B and Motown), and Saturday, March 22, “Spice” (jazz and R&B). Last week I stopped by and saw a group called, “LA & the Unusual Suspects.” I was truly impressed. They were out-of-sight! I've never heard of them, but honey child the market was packed from door to door. Even the second level was standing room only supporting this group. I understand they are there often, and they pack the house every time.

Okay, I know you are looking forward to the Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund, Gospel Prayer Breakfast fundraiser on March 15 at Tiffany East Catering; believe me, I am excited to see you too. This year we feature Geraldine Barksdale, gospel vocalist; The United Boyd Gospel Singers; The Golden Voices of South New Jersey; “Grandma G” Gaskins, gospel comedian; the Rev. Henry J. Turner, pastor of First Corinthians Baptist Church will provide the Sermonette; and Carlton and Darlene Douglass will be the hosts of the event. The ticket donation of $20.00 includes a buffet breakfast prepared and catered by Fullwood Caterers. The Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund is a non-profit 501 (c-3) organization that raises funds for underprivileged children between the ages of 5-17 who are gifted and/or talented in singing or playing an instrument. For the past 22 years, the organization has helped over 140 children in their music career thanks to you, the community, and supporters. For ticket information, call 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@aol.com. Applications are available for any child in Maryland who fits the criteria on line at www.rosapryormusic.com.

I have to leave you now, but not before giving my condolences to the family of my dear friend, Yvonne “Bonnie” Butler Matthews, who recently passed away. I knew of her illness and we shared several phone conversations about her favorite uncle, and my mentor and Godfather, the late Biddy Wood. Her family and I will miss her.

Well, my dear friends, I am out of space, but remember, I will see you at the Jazz Expressways Foundation Jazz Breakfast 10 a.m. March 8 at the Forest Park Senior Center. Remember if you need me, call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@aol.com.